Appalachian Spring really sounds like ballet music (and not a symphonic poem as it sometimes does), and the freshly rhythmic string playing combines with the refined yet spirited woodwind detail to evoke the ballet theatre as much as the concert hall. An enjoyable coupling from the performance point ofRead more view, while the sound is very impressive indeed.

-- Ivan March, Gramophone

The Atlanta Symphony is a fine orchestra, and the standard of playing is very high indeed. . . . Rodeo receives a rollicking performance, with outstanding solos in “Buckaroo Holiday” from principal trombone and trumpet. The gentler middle movements come off well, too, with beautiful soft textures in “Corral Nocturne”, and a particularly stylish oboe solo in “Saturday Night Waltz”. The concluding “Hoe-Down” is great fun, and full of just the right kind of wild energy.

“Appalachian Spring” poses the greatest interpretative test for conductor and players, and here Louis Lane does well, characterising the various episodes sharply, yet managing the transitions between sections most effectively. Perhaps the introduction of Simple Gifts in the clarinet should be quieter and a little more diffident, but generally I found this a delightful performance, with the half-lights of the opening and closing music captured with complete understanding of the music’s nature – as you might well expect from an orchestra whose home town lies at the very foot of the Appalachian mountains themselves.

. . . a fine disc, with a first-class recording to match the high standards of the performers.